I actually experienced a live bee swarm in my own backyard about 8-10 years ago. It was a hot summer day, and I was sitting on our back kitchen porch, (very small porch with brick wall and pillars) with my Jack Russell terrier sleeping in a cushioned chair next to me. I was engrossed in watching a video, and there's always a bee or two buzzing by when I'm on the porch, because I have two hanging baskets with flowers and there's a flower bed around this porch too. Plus my deck is adjacent to the porch, with 2 huge planters/pots with flowers at the entrance, plus more smaller pots of flowers on it too. So I'm sitting there on the porch, and I hear buzzing, but I'm not paying attention and engrossed in watching some video. The buzzing increased, and then I started noticing more bees flying onto the porch area, and by the time I looked up to see what the heck was going on...it was a full fledged swarm of bees just feet away from where I and my dog were sitting. My small back yard and driveway pad back there, was a solid wall at least 20-30 feet high too, of buzzing bees just darting in every direction. I slowly got up and got my dog and as I was opening my storm door those bees started engulfing the porch, just as I closed the door. I watched from the door window (& even with the door shut, you could hear the loud buzzing of the bees), and after so many minutes, the bees became less and less. After 15+ minutes passed, I ventured outside cautiously, and once I felt safe, walked out further to try and see where they went. I then noticed about 20 feet from the backyard driveway parking pad, in my neighbor's yard, the bees could be seen flying in and out and around the top of her huge maple tree. As I kept looking to see where they were in the tree (it was July or August, and the tree was in full leaf), I noticed up high on the tree, a branch that had a big brown shaped thing on it. Looked closer and it was those bees, just thousands of bees all in a solid mass/glob-like, on a branch. And you could see it moving, as the bees were on it. What an experience! Never witnessed anything like that in my life! I sat down and started looking up "Bee swarms", and read all about it and why it happens. And just like the articles on it said, these bees stayed put for a day I think (a day and a half?), until the scouts found their next "home"...& I was able to witness their departure to their new location. Same thing, the buzzing got louder and louder, then my driveway and back yard was wall to wall bees darting very fast, and that mass just crept across the street behind my house, across the field and towards the edge of the forested area. I'm in town, but up on the hill, and on the edge of town, there's a line of trees just two streets over from our home, and that's all wooded area that butts against a local Park. I see a red tailed hawk every year back there, that flies over the field across the street. Even comes in to the residential area of town, flying above and looking down into people's back yards. One summer I looked out the kitchen window and that hawk was perched on my deck railing, had no idea how big it was and beautiful. Just stunning. But listening to the doctor here, on where to put the swarm catching box, made me realize why I got to witness that amazing scene from nature in that bee swarm that summer!

Thanks for having Dr.Leo on again Doug I really enjoy listening to what he does and his passion for his bees. Those beehive the artwork on them are just absolutely beautiful. Congratulations on your new Learning Center Doctor Leo I hope it truly all works out for you.

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sue

I love to watch Dr Leo, I'm rehabbing my legs, but hearing that the horizonal hive make it possible in a wheelchair.

The other way of moving hives a short distance is to fill the entrance of the hive with grass making them remove it and reorient to the new location or put some brush laid up against the hive so that when they come out they reorient because of the changes......... this has been done for many years with great success to move hives

Hellloooo guys! Congratulations Dr. Leo. Doug and yourself are a big inspiration to us, along with Stacy we can’t forget about her. Angie and I hope someday we can be as beneficial to someone as you all have been to us. We currently have 2 layens swarm traps out, and I have a third to put out this weekend. Thank you both for the hard work and dedication that you have the all of us, we greatly appreciate it. Have a wonderful day and God bless.

Congratulations on the learning centre, that's fantastic Dr. Leo!

Bravo Dr. Leo! May the learning center cause a swarm of people!

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Darlene

My middle name is "Deborah" queen bee. I use to watch my uncle's when I was little, 60 yrs ago, harvest their honey. My job was to spin the centrifuge. I want bees so much now, but my husband is not excited about it. Thanks to both of you, I am going to do this on my own. I know I can do it!

I wish he would have shown his honey collection room and discuss how he collects and processes his honey. I'd like to know how much he usually collects with so many hives.

@teresajames2725

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent suggestion for another video. This would be awesome.. 😉

@Peachlady222

2 жыл бұрын

There is a complete playlist on beekeeping including ways to extract on Doug and Stacy’s KZread channel. Dr Leo visited Doug’s homestead and went through how to harvest and extract.

@FieldsChet

2 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/a6t9xq-gn6y9dLA.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/dayYw6hrj62Zn6Q.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/mJmpj6elqpO1k9I.html

@candicehooper4384

Жыл бұрын

That's amazing! Wish we were closer to you. Thanks for the all the lessens

@ejuran2661

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for giving of your time to showing us we can do this. I have been wanting to get bees and wasn’t sure how to start, now i know it is achievable for me on my budget. Just have to save for the initial set up. Also a bee suit as I have a little issue with being stung?😅

That wasn't just informative, it was fun too. Thanks, you two!

I've kept bees for decades. The size you recommend for the swarm box is spot on. This is such an important point to make. The swarms you are talking about are most often from managed hives and not from wild colonies. You would have to be quite isolated from civilization and other beekeepers to get wild swarms. However, If you get bees from the breeders down south or in California the queens often don't survive. They aren't bred well and are superceded (replaces) by the colony. However, the daughter queens mate locally and begin the process of local adaptation with genetics. I would like to hear his discussion on varroa mite control and how he manages for them.

Last spring I captured a local swarm and put the bees in a med box, very good foragers. The bees are building up like mad and I decided to graft queens from this feral colony. Saw one of the virgin queens today. These bees seem to be quite calm compared to the Italian bees in other hives. I'm in SW Virginia.

Thank you Dr. Leo with educating us people about the bee collecting bee swarm and the different boxes. And then having classes in the Fall. Looking forward to seeing and meeting you and learning all about keeping bees happy 💞🤠👍

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sue

Good Afternoon, Glad to see you both having fun. Dr. Leo, i ordered some lemon grass and tubes and some wax foundation last year to place in a swarm trap. You will not believe my story. I have about 100 trees, from pistachio trees, plum trees, apricot trees and pecan trees and others, My trees are not as tall as the ones you have. I placed the box on a 50 gallon barrell for height and placed in with the pistachio near the male trees with the lemon grass and tubes, This has sat about a year now and this year NO bees, I can count about 10 to 15 bees, Plum trees had a lot of flowers but no bees so this harvest will only have a hand full if that, and same with the peach trees and the apricot trees and pomegranate bushes and other plants, NO BEES. I even placed the lemon grass tubes on some of the trees to attract some bees, But NO BEES. The pistachio trees on the male, It takes the wind to pollinate the male trees but the bees love the pollen also. The bees love the pollen also and usually the males are full of bees. The last 2 years the temp has been 110 to 112 and months at a time, it is getting hotter here. If this is a sign to what is coming we all are done for. It is scarry. I was thinking to order some bees but they may die also. OK, Take care, love watching Doug and Stacy and also you. take care.

I took Dr. Leo’s 2-day seminar in March and it was awesome. His apiary is beautiful and the bee bed is amazing. I’m building swarm traps and hives now using his plans that are very good.

Dr. Leo, congratulations on the soon coming education center. So much info to absorb. A good video!

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Maggi

Doug thank you for sharing with us Dr. Leo's wonderful news. Please pass on congratulations to Dr. Leo for achieving such a magnificent milestone in his life's desire to teach us how to be good and faithful stewards to such an important part of the food chain. Bees give us so much and Dr. Leo helps us to understand that we do not need to do much to insure the bee's achieve their simple but important purpose. And we get the sweet reward for keeping faith with them. Doug I hope one day to be a resident at both your and Dr. Leo's learning centers. You and Stacy and Dr. Leo are natural teachers and have so much to pass on. What an easy way for us to learn from all of your hard earned knowledge. I thank y'all for your efforts to share. May God bless you and your families at this most wonderful time of year.

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Debra

Thank you, Dr. Leo! You're helping the bees, and helping all of us to help the bees! You are a true leader and explain it all so well.

When I saw that truck moving so slow towards that 🐝🐝🐝🐝 I thought Boy-O-Boy today Doug is going to put Stacy in with the bees 🤣🤣🤣 Run Stacy run!!! Great videos. Love watching ya'll. 💐💙💙

Dr Leo is fabulous as always! I am enjoying his wry sense of humor as well. :) About getting the swarm trap up the ladder…. You could screw handles to the sides of the swarm trap….. then clip a shoulder strap to the handles so that you could wear the box like a messenger bag as you climb the ladder. It could be a detachable shoulder strap that you could unhook after you get the trap mounted onto the tree. No dropping things that way and leaves your hands free for 3 points of contact on the ladder.

Oh my goodness loved the smiles!😉 I'm from WI and have had the problems with the wild temperature fluctuations you talked about this is one of so many reasons this is such a great way to raise bees. Congrats on your learning center! One of these years I'll have to come to one of your classes! Till then..get ready for another order. And thank you for sending my first book so quickly! Super service!!!

Though I live in an area that does not appreciate beekeepers, Dr. Leo has inspired me to make my backyard a place for bees. This year I am planting plenty of sunflowers and borage to keep the little buggers happy: I am really excited.

Congratulations, Dr. Leo, on obtaining that piece of property and building the training center!

I literally just asked the other day when there'd be more bee videos, and here we are! Glad to see them again. It's why I originally subscribed.

Just getting started. Caught 2 swarms this year 2023 in South Central Illinois. I was always interested in getting some bees so when nature sent some my way I started searching for information and not surprised to see doug and Stacy with all the information I need and big thanks to you Dr.leo these videos are GREAT !

This was such a great video. I'm not on my hide-away homestead yet, but this is important information I was looking for. Thank you both!

I am not binge watching Dr. Leo and Doug and the bee education. Can't wait to get started!

So great to see this. Showing and teaching others what we should really be doing!!

excellent video Doug and Dr. Leo. We've been looking at beekeeping for about 9 years (since a hive built in our house). With Dr. Leo's knowledge and calm nature (And of course Doug and Stacy's endorsement) we are ready to begin now. Visiting your website today.

Those painted hives are beautiful! I love Doug and Stacy’s and all of Dr Leo’s. Awesome job! ❤️🙏🏻

Can not wait to the day I could got to a class from both of you.

Congratulations. It is wonderful that you are teaching natural, no treatment bee keeping.

Yes. Dr. Leo, congratulations on the education center. Thanks Doug for the video.

I am going to very soon start beekeeping you guys have helped a lot my family needs healthy honey

Thank you for making us aware of what is going on in our forests Doug, I am really enjoying Dr. Leo, wished I had the room to just have one hive

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Judy

Bought my bees local from a 82 year old keeper, he had developed a system that was so good Cortland University studied his method I learned from the best

Because of your videos I purchase one of Dr Leo’s horizontal hives today! Can’t wait to catch a swarm this spring.

Congratulations on your learning center, Dr Leo! I hope it will be a big hit.

Thanks for keeping the big trees and local bees Dr. Leo

love seeing Dr Leo, thank you, and congratulations. thank you for all your words of wisdom.

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jane

love how you caught a swarm in the tree and step to take in order get best result

Every time I watch you guys I want to go eat honey! You're amazing, and it's fantastic what Dr. Leo has done for bees and beekeeping. Ordered my hive and swarm trap kit today, from you-know-where!

Congratulations Dr Leo on the learning center! So cool! ❤️🙏🏻

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ruth

Congratulations Dr Leo, great spot for your education center.

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Karen

Dr. Leo is a great teacher. I've learned so much already.

Congratulations Dr Leo for your learning center. I would love to come one day in the future :) Love from Canada

Love this video! Congratulations on your learning center Dr. Leo!

Happy Passover, Doug and Stacy

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Debbie

Dr. Leo, I have so much respect for you, Doug & Stacy. I'm 75 and would love to have an off-grid home with bees, sheep, rabbits and chickens, but I may only get knowledge. And that knowledge is worth so much to me. It will have to do. Thank you for all the time and work you put into your programing.

Once my family I move there to the Ozarks I will be attending Dr. Leo’s workshops. Congratulations Dr. Leo this sounds exciting!

Bless you Dr. LEO - bee 🐝 man I love the new vision of Clinic and teaching of bees 🐝

Congrats on the learning center…love all your ideas….and Doug too…

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Beverly

Beautiful artistic beehives, Thanks for all your information on capturing a swarming colony.

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Donna

My daughter bought me a horizontal hive and Nuc last May. Both are set up but no bees swarms yet. Last May the Nuc had 6 scouts going in and out of the Nuc box 3 days after I set it up!! I was so excited!! It started raining and rained for days and they never came back…I let the dandelions grow one our lawn!! We have tons of bees feeding on them!!

Love "Heirloom bees!". We got a hive... getting it ready this weekend! GREAT information guys! THANK YOU!

Congratulations on your learning center wish I lived closer to you guys. Always enjoy all the videos .

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Becky

Congratulations doctor Leo. Hopefully in a year so I can come visit you for one of your seminars in your new building. As always great video.

Dr. Leo thats fantastic news. Prayers for success. I wish I lived on that side of the US

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Diana

Tried this a couple years ago and boy was it work….Will try again love the white truck

I always love to see Dr Leo. An amazing fount of information about anything bee related.

Congrats, Dr. Leo, on the Learning Center. Would love to hear your thoughts on bee sting therapy (apitherapy) for homeopathic remedies.

Hey Doug, I will be doing my transfer of the swarm that I recently caught, tomorrow in the middle of the day. Your style & your use of Dr. Leo as a deep resource has given me the good fortune of beginning my journey using the horizontal hive method from the very start. This way, I have avoided the pain of having to try & switch from the langstroff hardware, along with the expense associated…. Buddy, you’re an inspiration.. Wish me luck….

@OFFGRIDwithDOUGSTACY

2 жыл бұрын

Go go go

This is so awesome! Congrats on your new center, Dr. Leo! I would love to see your facility when I'm in Southern Missouri. We must save the bees!

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Leah

Love Dr.Leo! Congratulations on your new learning center educating people on beekeeping!

Congrats Dr. Leo on your learning center!

So informative! I love learning from Stacy, Doug and Dr. Leo.

Great to see that you guys working together, sharing and educating others and congratulations!

Yes. Congratulations Dr. Leo.

You guys are awesome. Thanks for being such great teachers. Congratulations on the new classroom build. Looking forward to more videos. Keep up the good work.

Yep. I got my swarm traps set and have got all my motivation from watching you guys. Thank you 🙏

Thank you Dr. Leo with educating us people about the bee collecting bee swarm and the different boxes. Congrats Dr. Leo on the expansion and new Learning Center. enjoyed very much.

Thank you thank you Doug and Dr Leo for all of the great videos! I’ve gained more knowledge from these than anything I’ve read or watched on beekeeping!! Love seeing the Ozark hives too.

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Lynn

Doug , bee's are something I've just started to learn about , so my wife and I can add them to our homestead this spring along with sheep.... Needless to say this one's very useful to me ... Thanks for everything you and Stacey are doing , God bless you both... 👍 🙏

congratulations on the learning center Dr Leo! so many excellent ideas!

Congratulations! Glad to see the progress.

Always helpful, and entertaining -- thank you, Doug and Stacy! Dr. Leo, great information once again! Also, that's a huge milestone to have your Learning Center on the horizon for this autumn! Congratulations, and best wishes from Blue Cottage Farm in the Virginia Piedmont! I only have two hives at present, but hoping to home a swarm or two this season! Peace.

Thank you Doug and Dr. Leo for sharing this information. Congratulations Dr. Leo on your Learning Center! I am seriously thinking about getting started in bee keeping. I am still doing my studying first.

@thomasthom6586

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Dawna

Thank you Doug for sharing this video and congratulations Dr Leo on your new classroom. You both are making a difference.

Glad you're feeling better Dr. Leo🥰

This is great Doug because I heard of putting a swarm catcher box in the trees but I didn't know that it had to be plumb and secured like that. The bee hive outside designs are beautiful. Thought he said his daughter did these designs. That's a good idea that you and Gary have. Switch the swarms between each other so you can place your hives where you want them. Great idea. Yes, congratulations Dr. Leo that you'll have your own learning center where you can hold your lessons within a few steps from some of your hives. That is wonderful news. I'm glad that your neighbors did help you a little because they moved back to the city and you could change their home into your new learning center. Thanks for this Doug.

Just have to comment. Im just finding these gems in 2022. Instead of posting a super long comment, I’ll just say instead, thank you for the massive value you share with us… all the best to you and everyone who watches your videos. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 So helpful and inspiring

Dr. Leo's vids are my favorite. So excited for your new space Dr. Leo. Congratulations. ❤️❤️😍

Always enjoy Dr. Leo. I am excited about his learning center!

There was a beekeeper in the Ozarks many years ago who had a visitor who called his bee hives an apiary. The beekeeper said he didn't know what it was called, but it "sure wasn't no apiary on account I ain't got no apes".

LOL The tree hug was funny. I caught 3 Swarms from the same tree last year.

Congratulations on the center. How exciting. Thank you very much for all the information!

Well, I'll be getting everything I need to keep bee's from Dr. Leo. Thank you so much, I don't normally buy things off the internet, but this guy has been extremely helpful.

You’re gonna have a great learning center and I like learning about the bees

That is so great DR. Leo. I am happy for you . Thank you Doug .

Congratulations Dr Leo. I know your learning center will BEE successful. Could not resist the pun.

Congratulations Dr Leo. Wishing you the best in all your projects. Thank you for all the information.

Congrats, getting my trap up this week! Keep it up, serendipity does happen. Discovered hive in our tree and soon found you guys. Keep teaching.

Have a nice Easter you folks and thanks for being there really enjoyed being with you all winter spring has sprung with you in spirit and thank you

@OFFGRIDwithDOUGSTACY

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Monica

Congrats on your new learning center! We used your plans to build our horizontal hive and our bees have been in their home for a few weeks. We are learning so much our first year of beekeeping. Thank you for your help.

You guys share a good amount of energy and humor. Thank you for the knowledge and fun learning!

I get so excited when you all come on …

Congrats Dr. on your learning center.

I just planted my bee and butterfly garden and cannot wait to start bee keeping!! Congratulations on your learning center Dr. Leo and thank you both for these videos!!

I have loved these videos with Dr. Leo you both teach us all so much!

Nevermind, got my question answered here!! Ha! Such a blessing to have all this info at our fingertips! Congrats Dr. Leo!